Biological Therapies For OCD

Biological Therapies For OCD

1. Chemotherapy

   • Anti-anxiety Drug
     • Benzodiazepines (BZs)
       • Slow down the activity of the central nervous system by enhancing activity of GABA
         • GABA release --> Quietening effect on many of the neruons in the brain
           • Does this by reacting w/ GABA receptors. When GABA locks into these receptors it opens a channel which increase the flow of chloride ions into the neruon
             • Chloride ions make it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters --> slowing down its activity & making the person feel more relaxed
       • Examples
         • Valium
         • Xanax
   • Anti-depressant drugs
     • SSRIs
       • Choy & Schneier (2008): SSRIs are currently the preferred drug for treating anxiety disorders
       • Increase levels of the neurotransmitter SEROTONIN (regulates mood & anxiety)
         • Higher serotonin level --> NORMALISE the 'worry circuit'
       • Examples
         • Paxil
         • Prozac

2. Psychosurgery

   • Capsulotomy
     • Remove Capsule
       • Part of the limbic system involved with emotion and anxiety
   • Cingulotomy
     • Remove Cingulum
       • linked the orbitofrontal cortex to the caudate nucleus
   • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
     • Placing wires in target areas of the brain
       • Wires are connected to a battery in the patient’s chest
         • Current is on, interrupts the target circuits in the brain e.g. ‘worry circuit’
   • Transcranial magnetic stimulation
     • Avoids destruction of brain tissue
       • A large electromagnetic coil is placed above the scalp near the forehead
         • Creates painless electric currents that stimulate the frontal cortex (a region of the brain asso w/ OCD and mood regulation

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